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Paw Enforcement #8
Paw of the Jungle
Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are on all fours as they try to solve their latest Lone Star mystery.
AT THE ZOO
The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
AND ON THE HUNT
The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?
AT THE ZOO
The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
AND ON THE HUNT
The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
87 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Diane Kelly
69 books1,227 followersAward-winning author Diane Kelly writes romance and romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 2, 2019
The eighth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly. Officer Megan and her K-9 partner Brigit investigate missing animals from the zoo. In addition to the main crime of finding who stole the animals, Megan is also working a case involving missing jewelry. Plus, her firefighter boyfriend Seth is working with a new paramedic. An attractive woman who causes Megan to worry about her relationship with Seth.
Told using multiple points of view - Megan, Brigit, and the guilty party. Megan is a likable character. She's hardworking, sensible, and quick witted. Brigit is a delightful dog, and I enjoy her amusing viewpoints. It's great to read how Megan and Brigit work the case, but also nice to get the viewpoint from the one committing the crimes.
A fun, humorous, and entertaining mystery. An enjoyable addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books about Megan and Brigit.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told using multiple points of view - Megan, Brigit, and the guilty party. Megan is a likable character. She's hardworking, sensible, and quick witted. Brigit is a delightful dog, and I enjoy her amusing viewpoints. It's great to read how Megan and Brigit work the case, but also nice to get the viewpoint from the one committing the crimes.
A fun, humorous, and entertaining mystery. An enjoyable addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books about Megan and Brigit.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2020
Woof Woof
I always love when my daughter gets a book in this series. There's so many times I smile when I read them. Two crimes are solved in this book, one is a ring theft and the other zoo animals being stolen. Briget loved those animals!
I always love when my daughter gets a book in this series. There's so many times I smile when I read them. Two crimes are solved in this book, one is a ring theft and the other zoo animals being stolen. Briget loved those animals!
October 3, 2019
Paw of The Jungle is the 8th book in the Paw Enforcement series by author Diane Kelly, which focuses on Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner, Briget. The author has a sharp wit that shines through in her storytelling, including the chapter headings. (My favorite in this book was Chapter 17 "Who Dung It").
In Paw of The Jungle, the plot centers around animals that mysteriously disappear from The Fort Worth Zoo. The chapters are told through the eyes of Officer Megan Luz, Briget the K-9 dog, and the bad guy known in the chapter headings as "The Poacher." It is interesting to see the mindset of the poacher, who was just released from prison for stealing from his employer.
The story begins just before Christmas and ends at Valentine's. It follows the sometimes slow, but methodical means law enforcement has to follow in order to capture the wrongdoers. In this case, there is a great deal of public pressure to find the missing zoo animals quickly, but the poacher has been very careful to hide all evidence that would implicate him.
In addition to the stolen zoo animals, Megan is also dealing with the theft of valuable rings from several women in the area. Plus, her handsome firefighter boyfriend, Seth, has become the object of attention of a cute new paramedic at his station. Megan and Briget certainly have a lot keeping their hands and paws busy! The surprise ending makes me excited to read the next book in the series.
Not only does Diane Kelly weave an exciting mystery, but she also educates us on the world of animal poachers, cheap roadside zoos, and exotic game hunting ranches. There is also valuable information on prisoner recidivism and job training programs. It is apparent that a great deal of research went into this novel.
5 Stars. This book will be available on November 26, 2019. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for a review.
Be sure to check out my recipe recommendation to go with this book at www.kerrinsbookreviews.com where I give book reviews and recipes too!
In Paw of The Jungle, the plot centers around animals that mysteriously disappear from The Fort Worth Zoo. The chapters are told through the eyes of Officer Megan Luz, Briget the K-9 dog, and the bad guy known in the chapter headings as "The Poacher." It is interesting to see the mindset of the poacher, who was just released from prison for stealing from his employer.
The story begins just before Christmas and ends at Valentine's. It follows the sometimes slow, but methodical means law enforcement has to follow in order to capture the wrongdoers. In this case, there is a great deal of public pressure to find the missing zoo animals quickly, but the poacher has been very careful to hide all evidence that would implicate him.
In addition to the stolen zoo animals, Megan is also dealing with the theft of valuable rings from several women in the area. Plus, her handsome firefighter boyfriend, Seth, has become the object of attention of a cute new paramedic at his station. Megan and Briget certainly have a lot keeping their hands and paws busy! The surprise ending makes me excited to read the next book in the series.
Not only does Diane Kelly weave an exciting mystery, but she also educates us on the world of animal poachers, cheap roadside zoos, and exotic game hunting ranches. There is also valuable information on prisoner recidivism and job training programs. It is apparent that a great deal of research went into this novel.
5 Stars. This book will be available on November 26, 2019. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for a review.
Be sure to check out my recipe recommendation to go with this book at www.kerrinsbookreviews.com where I give book reviews and recipes too!
August 16, 2019
Megan is a policewoman who usually works routine patrol. She is a dedicated officer who spends long hours on the job with her beloved and trusted partner, Bridget, a K-9 German Shepherd. Her workday consists mainly of traffic violations, shoplifting, and house robberies. Her goal is to become a full-time detective.
One day, two rare macaws, worth thousands when sold as exotic pets, disappear from the zoo. An ex-convict, working there as a janitor, is dismissed for carelessness and falls under suspicion. Soon other animals are known to be stolen when Megan and Bridget discover how the thieves broke them out of their enclosures. Gone missing are a monkey and a springbok.
Publicity from the news media has the public clamouring for the police to find the animals. Next, a rare, endangered rhinoceros is taken under the cover of darkness. A rhino horn is extremely valuable on the international black market, where it is ground up and sold for fake medicinal purposes.
Megan, accompanied by Bridget, investigates the world of shoddy private zoos, a business which permits hunters to shoot game animals on their acreage, trophy collectors and dealers, as well as tradesmen with the knowledge and equipment to steal the animals from the zoo.
Megan is also trying to solve a baffling scheme robbing women of valuable rings. Sections devoted to Bridget’s thoughts about her daily life and police duties lend a lot of humour to the book. She muses that she is not into crime-solving for the glory but for the treats.
I found the plot to be slow-moving, but the action picked up near the end with Megan involved in a dangerous police chase. She was resolved to apprehend the criminal in a daring attempt to rescue the stolen rhinoceros. Most things were finally resolved, but I was frustrated that no mention was made of the outcome for the ex-convict who had worked at the zoo. I wanted to see some resolution for him.
I wish to thank NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for this enjoyable cozy mystery in return for an honest review.
One day, two rare macaws, worth thousands when sold as exotic pets, disappear from the zoo. An ex-convict, working there as a janitor, is dismissed for carelessness and falls under suspicion. Soon other animals are known to be stolen when Megan and Bridget discover how the thieves broke them out of their enclosures. Gone missing are a monkey and a springbok.
Publicity from the news media has the public clamouring for the police to find the animals. Next, a rare, endangered rhinoceros is taken under the cover of darkness. A rhino horn is extremely valuable on the international black market, where it is ground up and sold for fake medicinal purposes.
Megan, accompanied by Bridget, investigates the world of shoddy private zoos, a business which permits hunters to shoot game animals on their acreage, trophy collectors and dealers, as well as tradesmen with the knowledge and equipment to steal the animals from the zoo.
Megan is also trying to solve a baffling scheme robbing women of valuable rings. Sections devoted to Bridget’s thoughts about her daily life and police duties lend a lot of humour to the book. She muses that she is not into crime-solving for the glory but for the treats.
I found the plot to be slow-moving, but the action picked up near the end with Megan involved in a dangerous police chase. She was resolved to apprehend the criminal in a daring attempt to rescue the stolen rhinoceros. Most things were finally resolved, but I was frustrated that no mention was made of the outcome for the ex-convict who had worked at the zoo. I wanted to see some resolution for him.
I wish to thank NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for this enjoyable cozy mystery in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2019
Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly is the 8th A Paw Enforcement series. Each book in the series can be read on its own, but I recommend reading each book in this entertaining series. Megan and Brigit have two new cases to solve in Fort Worth, Texas. Someone is making off with animals from the local zoo. They need to stop this thief once they figure out how they are getting into the habitats. A woman reports her ring stolen and it is just the beginning of a spree. Plus, there is a new paramedic at the station house who takes a shine to Sean. Megan Lutz is a strong female character who loves her work plus her partner, Brigit. Megan is an intelligent woman with good instincts who can twirl her baton with ease. Megan has an excellent work ethic and I like that she can be snarky especially with that horrible Derek Mackay (he deserved to be tasered in his private parts). She will make an excellent detective one day and gets to practice thanks to Detective Bustamente. Megan is dating Seth, a firefighter who works with Blast, a dog trained to detect explosives. Brigit happens to be very fond of Blast. I adore Brigit and love the chapters from her point-of-view. They are hilarious. It makes me wonder what my dogs think about me. The story is told (as usual) from Megan, Brigit and the poacher’s point-of-views. The zoo mystery is one that plays out while the missing jewelry is a whodunit that readers can solve. I found both mysteries to be fun to read about it and they were clever. It was interesting to learn about poaching, inexpensive zoos, and ranches where you can hunt exotic animals (just terrible). There is a parolee in the story and there are details on training programs available to prisoners and recidivism rates. I find that details like these add realism to the story. A Paw Enforcement series pushes past the bounds of a traditional cozy mystery as there is some foul language and adult humor. The story takes readers from just before Christmas to Valentine’s Day. I liked getting to spend time with Megan and her family during the holidays. The ending Paw of the Jungle was unexpected and has me looking forward to reading the next installment in A Paw Enforcement series. Paw of the Jungle is a diverting cozy mystery with a perilous poacher, delectable doggie delights, a ring riddle, malodourous manure, an enticing EMT, and Christmas cheer.
November 21, 2019
The story is set up in an interesting manner presenting mostly two different perspectives in alternating chapters. One is of the poacher, an ex-con trying to good. The other is of police officer Megan Luz, aspiring detective and dog handler. For fun there are short chapters giving police dog Brigit's thoughts.
I was questioning what was going on in the beginning because of the going back and forth between two unrelated characters but it all comes together nicely making an unique set up for this mystery. I also enjoyed the humor added by Brigit's chapters.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. the opinions expressed are my own.
I was questioning what was going on in the beginning because of the going back and forth between two unrelated characters but it all comes together nicely making an unique set up for this mystery. I also enjoyed the humor added by Brigit's chapters.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. the opinions expressed are my own.
July 24, 2024
Loved it, and the narrator made it come to life. I enjoy the various adventures and mysteries/crimes that need to be solved. And, of course, Bridget. Who wouldn't love a lovable canine?!
I loved the ending, too, for Megan. Can't wait for that book to come out in the near future.
I loved the ending, too, for Megan. Can't wait for that book to come out in the near future.
November 26, 2019
I love this fabulous series; each novel is better than the last! I have enjoyed watching Megan grow into a responsible police officer and close to her partner, K-9 Sergeant Brigit. There is much LOL humor, especially the bad guy’s last attempt at being a bad guy. The mysteries are definitely challenging, and this time is no different.
Megan wants to become a detective but has to spend at least four years as a beat cop before applying. Giving traffic tickets isn’t her favorite thing to do, but that, and working with a couple seasoned detectives, is maturing her with regards to her behavior and honing her instincts to find and put together clues she observes. Brigit is happy about several things, including getting treats and being allowed to chase the bad guys and catch them. She rarely chews up Megan’s shoes now, but duct tape is holding together her duty shoes until she gets another pair. Brigit also adores Blast, the bomb-sniffing dog that is the partner of Megan’s boyfriend, Seth, a firefighter and bomb expert.
Megan is sent out to see two different women who have lost their rings, including expensive wedding sets. One claimed to have not left her home all day, and another was playing tennis after getting a manicure. There was no proof that workers around them were guilty, so all she could do was take a report and check the nearby pawn shops.
Megan and Brigit regularly walk through the zoo on their beat, so they are familiar with the layout and animals. They are at the zoo when two beautiful macaws go missing, and a custodian she recently met there was discharged when it was thought he either accidentally let them out of their enclosure or stole them. Not long afterward, a colobus monkey disappeared and was thought to be stolen – and the custodian no longer was there. It is then that Megan contacts one of the detectives she is learning from, Hector, as it sounds like someone is stealing from the zoo. If they can determine why and how, there is hope to find the whodunit.
I enjoyed this novel so much! It is like visiting old friends to see Megan, Brigit, Seth, Megan’s family and her roommate, Frankie. I like that Megan found critical clues that help her solve the crimes; the time she has spent being taught by detectives has been well-spent. Yes, she is great at putting things together herself, but has matured in many ways from the times she has been allowed to work with them. Brigit also sniffs out some good information that helps put the pieces together.
This armchair sleuth enjoyed following Megan on her adventures this time! There are surprises throughout, as well as the author’s trademark humor. As more zoo animals disappear, Brigit’s nose and the investigating skills of Megan and Hector put them hot on the trail of the less-than-bright thief. I highly recommend this mystery, and series, to those who appreciate well-written and LOL cozies, poignant moments between the bad guy and his adoring seven-year-old daughter, cops and K-9 partners, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Megan wants to become a detective but has to spend at least four years as a beat cop before applying. Giving traffic tickets isn’t her favorite thing to do, but that, and working with a couple seasoned detectives, is maturing her with regards to her behavior and honing her instincts to find and put together clues she observes. Brigit is happy about several things, including getting treats and being allowed to chase the bad guys and catch them. She rarely chews up Megan’s shoes now, but duct tape is holding together her duty shoes until she gets another pair. Brigit also adores Blast, the bomb-sniffing dog that is the partner of Megan’s boyfriend, Seth, a firefighter and bomb expert.
Megan is sent out to see two different women who have lost their rings, including expensive wedding sets. One claimed to have not left her home all day, and another was playing tennis after getting a manicure. There was no proof that workers around them were guilty, so all she could do was take a report and check the nearby pawn shops.
Megan and Brigit regularly walk through the zoo on their beat, so they are familiar with the layout and animals. They are at the zoo when two beautiful macaws go missing, and a custodian she recently met there was discharged when it was thought he either accidentally let them out of their enclosure or stole them. Not long afterward, a colobus monkey disappeared and was thought to be stolen – and the custodian no longer was there. It is then that Megan contacts one of the detectives she is learning from, Hector, as it sounds like someone is stealing from the zoo. If they can determine why and how, there is hope to find the whodunit.
I enjoyed this novel so much! It is like visiting old friends to see Megan, Brigit, Seth, Megan’s family and her roommate, Frankie. I like that Megan found critical clues that help her solve the crimes; the time she has spent being taught by detectives has been well-spent. Yes, she is great at putting things together herself, but has matured in many ways from the times she has been allowed to work with them. Brigit also sniffs out some good information that helps put the pieces together.
This armchair sleuth enjoyed following Megan on her adventures this time! There are surprises throughout, as well as the author’s trademark humor. As more zoo animals disappear, Brigit’s nose and the investigating skills of Megan and Hector put them hot on the trail of the less-than-bright thief. I highly recommend this mystery, and series, to those who appreciate well-written and LOL cozies, poignant moments between the bad guy and his adoring seven-year-old daughter, cops and K-9 partners, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
November 11, 2020
This is a puzzler. I was surprised by who the poacher turned out to be.
Two “crime tracks” (zoo animal heists and expensive rings) in this tale.
Seth has a big surprise for Megan at the end.
Good research and real Texas insights were appreciated :)
Negatives: It bugged me that the bad guy’s voice was right there at the start of the book .. and frankly I heard too much from him.
Also (as others have noted) the story bogs down a bit in too much detail.
Two “crime tracks” (zoo animal heists and expensive rings) in this tale.
Seth has a big surprise for Megan at the end.
Good research and real Texas insights were appreciated :)
Negatives: It bugged me that the bad guy’s voice was right there at the start of the book .. and frankly I heard too much from him.
Also (as others have noted) the story bogs down a bit in too much detail.
July 28, 2025
I seem to have just finished this series much to my disappointment. This cozy mystery series is about a canine Police Officer and her partner, and keeps me laughing from cover to cover.
I hope that Kelly is writing another book in this series, but the way it ended I could see the possibility of another book going either way!
I hope that Kelly is writing another book in this series, but the way it ended I could see the possibility of another book going either way!
December 2, 2019
This is one of my auto-buy series. I love reading about the adventures of Officer Luz and Officer Brigit! Brigit's attitude reminds me a lot of my own german shepherds larger than life personality.
In this book, Megan and Brigit are investigating the theft of multiple animals from the zoo. It wasn't my favourite case of the ones they've been involved in, but I was definitely still invested. I loved reading about the ongoing relationship between Megan and Seth, and of course Brigit and Blast.
I think one of the things I love about this series is that each chapter is told mainly from Megan's perspective, but then we also get a glimpse into what the criminal of the book is up to, and of course (my favourite) Brigit's take on whatever is going on. It's such a unique staple in the series and I love it.
I'd also like to add that the ending of this book has me dyinggggg for the next one! I can't wait!
In this book, Megan and Brigit are investigating the theft of multiple animals from the zoo. It wasn't my favourite case of the ones they've been involved in, but I was definitely still invested. I loved reading about the ongoing relationship between Megan and Seth, and of course Brigit and Blast.
I think one of the things I love about this series is that each chapter is told mainly from Megan's perspective, but then we also get a glimpse into what the criminal of the book is up to, and of course (my favourite) Brigit's take on whatever is going on. It's such a unique staple in the series and I love it.
I'd also like to add that the ending of this book has me dyinggggg for the next one! I can't wait!
March 13, 2020
Megan Luz and her canine partner, Brigit, are working on a case involving stolen birds from the Zoo.
Two Macaws are missing that sell for thousands of dollars.
The list of suspects is long- but Megan and Brigit are on the hunt.
A lot of great characters. Fun story with info regarding the real tragedy of the animal poaching business.
Always look forward to the next in this series!
Two Macaws are missing that sell for thousands of dollars.
The list of suspects is long- but Megan and Brigit are on the hunt.
A lot of great characters. Fun story with info regarding the real tragedy of the animal poaching business.
Always look forward to the next in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2019
"Paw of the Jungle" is told from the point of view of Megan Luz, an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department, as well as from her K-9 partner Brigit, and an unknown person called “The Poacher.” Megan and Brigit investigate a case of animals going missing from the Fort Worth Zoo, as well as a series of robberies. The black market for animals is a ruthless business and Megan has to solve the case to protect the animals as well as herself.
When I began reading this book, I didn’t realize there were so many books in the “Paw Enforcement” series before this one. However, I didn’t have a problem catching up the important characters in the book. I enjoyed seeing Megan work towards her goal of becoming a detective and her partnership with her German Shepard partner, Brigit. However, the book is slower paced that I had hoped and it takes a while for the action to begin. The humor throughout the book, especially in the scenes with Megan and Brigit going through their daily routine. I didn’t think I would like the chapters told from Brigit’s point of view, but I ended up really enjoying them. They were short and entertaining and helped break up the slower parts of the book.
Once things got going, I enjoyed the book and love the teamwork between Megan and Brigit. I also liked the bit of romance added in with the mysteries. I was satisfied with the way the cases wrapped up and really loved how the book ended overall. I’m sure readers who have followed the series will be pleased with the story and the ending. In addition, animal lovers and fans of humorous mysteries like Laura Levine’s Jaine Austen series will want to meet the terrific team of Megan and Brigit.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
When I began reading this book, I didn’t realize there were so many books in the “Paw Enforcement” series before this one. However, I didn’t have a problem catching up the important characters in the book. I enjoyed seeing Megan work towards her goal of becoming a detective and her partnership with her German Shepard partner, Brigit. However, the book is slower paced that I had hoped and it takes a while for the action to begin. The humor throughout the book, especially in the scenes with Megan and Brigit going through their daily routine. I didn’t think I would like the chapters told from Brigit’s point of view, but I ended up really enjoying them. They were short and entertaining and helped break up the slower parts of the book.
Once things got going, I enjoyed the book and love the teamwork between Megan and Brigit. I also liked the bit of romance added in with the mysteries. I was satisfied with the way the cases wrapped up and really loved how the book ended overall. I’m sure readers who have followed the series will be pleased with the story and the ending. In addition, animal lovers and fans of humorous mysteries like Laura Levine’s Jaine Austen series will want to meet the terrific team of Megan and Brigit.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of St. Martin’s. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
As a dog mom, I'm always intrigued by any cozy mystery featuring a dog, especially one that is helping solve the crime.
But unfortunately Paw of the Jungle, though having a kick butt dog named Brigit featured, was merely a meh read.
Most importantly for me, there wasn't enough mystery. There was absolutely no way for the reader to figure out who was taking the exotic zoo animals, which took a lot of the fun out of reading. The secondary subplot mystery about stolen rings was actually much more intriguing, and I was really excited to solve it right before the main character did.
There were too many points of view used, and I found it especially strange when the author chose to have certain small chapters from the dog's point of view. These chapters typically added nothing to the storyline, and simply described actions the main character could have described.
I really liked the romance between the main character and her firefighter boyfriend, and the ending almost tempted me to try the next book in the series to see where their journey took them, but I know that there wouldn't really be anything else to keep me turning pages.
As a dog mom, I'm always intrigued by any cozy mystery featuring a dog, especially one that is helping solve the crime.
But unfortunately Paw of the Jungle, though having a kick butt dog named Brigit featured, was merely a meh read.
Most importantly for me, there wasn't enough mystery. There was absolutely no way for the reader to figure out who was taking the exotic zoo animals, which took a lot of the fun out of reading. The secondary subplot mystery about stolen rings was actually much more intriguing, and I was really excited to solve it right before the main character did.
There were too many points of view used, and I found it especially strange when the author chose to have certain small chapters from the dog's point of view. These chapters typically added nothing to the storyline, and simply described actions the main character could have described.
I really liked the romance between the main character and her firefighter boyfriend, and the ending almost tempted me to try the next book in the series to see where their journey took them, but I know that there wouldn't really be anything else to keep me turning pages.
September 2, 2019
Another entertaining mystery with Officer Megan and her canine partner Brigit!
The background for the mystery, a zoo, was intriguing and different. The theme of exotic animal theft, from the zoo, made for a interesting and eye-opening book. As always, the author has a way of not only writing a great mystery, but the way she crafts the backstories of the characters and has the characters speak from their point of view makes for a wonderful read! I like the way she shows the complicated lives/personalities of those who are on the right and wrong side of the law. Of course, then there is Officer Brigit - a dog you expect to talk, she is so intelligent! The book has a nice balance between mystery and romance.
I'm looking forward to the next "ride along"!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
The background for the mystery, a zoo, was intriguing and different. The theme of exotic animal theft, from the zoo, made for a interesting and eye-opening book. As always, the author has a way of not only writing a great mystery, but the way she crafts the backstories of the characters and has the characters speak from their point of view makes for a wonderful read! I like the way she shows the complicated lives/personalities of those who are on the right and wrong side of the law. Of course, then there is Officer Brigit - a dog you expect to talk, she is so intelligent! The book has a nice balance between mystery and romance.
I'm looking forward to the next "ride along"!
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of this book.
August 12, 2019
This is a fun and entertaining read that has Megan and k-9 Bridget on the hunt for poachers that repeatedly steal beloved animals from the zoo. As community outrage and pressure to find the poachers mounts, Megan and Bridget work long hours trying to solve the crimes. Add in an the additional puzzling disappearance of expensive rings just in time for Christmas and Megan and Bridget are working overtime to serve the community.
This book has all the humor you would expect in one of the author's books, along with commentary from k-9 Bridget....if only Megan could understand what Bridget is trying to tell her.
I'm giving this four stars because, while it is an enjoyable book, at times it seemed to lag. However, even with this, it is well worth putting on your TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list.
This book has all the humor you would expect in one of the author's books, along with commentary from k-9 Bridget....if only Megan could understand what Bridget is trying to tell her.
I'm giving this four stars because, while it is an enjoyable book, at times it seemed to lag. However, even with this, it is well worth putting on your TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list.
July 18, 2025
This is the continuation of a very fun and entertaining mystery that rides the rails between straight mystery and cozy. The subject matter of animals being kidnapped or possibly killed was a little dicey for this reader, but it was handled with tack. Whew. I enjoy when this author keeps us aware of what part of Texas we’re in giving us a stronger sense of place. The dog is hilarious and exactly what the series needs. I always wish she represented how all animals truly thought. I am very capable of suspending reality so the big chase in the end, how it happens and how it’s resolved was very entertaining even though I know it would never happen that way in real life. That being said I still enjoy this series and I appreciated every little giggle I got along the way.
September 2, 2019
Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are back and paws deep in not one but two mysteries. Rings of the well to do are going missing and animals are being stolen from the zoo. This one is going to keep our crime fighters busy through the holidays.
I love this series so much. Megan is so serious and driven and Brigit is so competent and laid back. I love watching this crime fighting team take down the bad guys and keeping Ft. Worth safe. This is a terrific addition to the series.
I love this series so much. Megan is so serious and driven and Brigit is so competent and laid back. I love watching this crime fighting team take down the bad guys and keeping Ft. Worth safe. This is a terrific addition to the series.
May 4, 2022
One of my all time favorite serial that I love to read , no matter how I feel I can pick one of the books up and start to laugh because of Megan and Brigit. Other thing I love is how the story is told in the bad's point of view as well as Megan's and Brigit ( and with Brigit you never know what's she's going to say or do next ). So if your looking for a story that has mystery, a bit of romance and chaos then this is for you.
March 4, 2020
I had a hard time deciding on giving 3 or 4 stars. It started out good, but then got bogged down talking about animals and less about the police work. Like all off the books it has a page or two between each chapter written by the job. These don’t add anything to the story, but are rather interesting sidelines.
January 1, 2020
Another great installment. Loved the mystery and the side mystery. And the character development.
Looking forward to the next one!
Looking forward to the next one!
January 4, 2020
Wonderful addition to the series.
November 27, 2019
Cozy mysteries featuring animals aren’t every mystery reader’s cup of tea, for sure, but there’s something about a K-9 that lifts the subgenre a little above the pack…pun intended 😉 If nothing else, the dog and his handler have a legitimate reason as well as the training to investigate and that’s certainly true with Megan’s and Brigit’s latest adventure.
Megan and Brigit are patrol officers, not usually involved in wildlife thefts and black market activities, but Megan has aspirations of getting into detective work and, when they’re fortuitously on site when two birds go missing, it’s a perfect chance for Megan to hone her detecting skills. Following various leads that arise with more animal-nappings, she—and the readers—learn a lot about poaching, trophy collecting, poorly run private zoos and the like. Meanwhile, the pair are also investigating some jewelry robberies.
Brigit sometimes shares her thoughts about her life, her duties and her love of treats, frequently making me smile. She and her partner are pretty darned good at what they do and are very appealing. I’ll definitely be back for more.
Megan and Brigit are patrol officers, not usually involved in wildlife thefts and black market activities, but Megan has aspirations of getting into detective work and, when they’re fortuitously on site when two birds go missing, it’s a perfect chance for Megan to hone her detecting skills. Following various leads that arise with more animal-nappings, she—and the readers—learn a lot about poaching, trophy collecting, poorly run private zoos and the like. Meanwhile, the pair are also investigating some jewelry robberies.
Brigit sometimes shares her thoughts about her life, her duties and her love of treats, frequently making me smile. She and her partner are pretty darned good at what they do and are very appealing. I’ll definitely be back for more.
December 9, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Paw of the Jungle
Paw Enforcement #8
By Diane Kelly
ISBN 9781250197375
Author’s website: dianekelly.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are on all fours as they try to solve their latest Lone Star mystery.
AT THE ZOO
The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
AND ON THE HUNT
The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?
Review:
This is one of my favorite series with dogs; I love the humor throughout each novel and how challenging each mystery is. Each can be read as standalone novels, yet I find that Megan grows as a police officer and personally over the course of the series. Sergeant Brigit is more loving with Megan, as well, while retaining some of her puppy habits.
Megan Luz, a Fort Worth police officer, was assigned Brigit as her partner as a last resort when her former partner, Derek Mackey, had been obnoxious too many times and she tased him. Funny as the incident was, the chief of police had no sense of humor when hearing that his hunting buddy had been bested by a little woman. Megan had no desire to share her life with Brigit, the German shepherd K-9 that was her last chance to be a police officer. Brigit still gets the best of Megan sometimes, but overall, they are as close as partners can be.
We first meet the Poacher, who has just been released from prison after serving time for theft. His new employer took a risk to hire him, and gives him one chance only, since most ex-felons they have hired have disappointed them. He goes to his girlfriend’s home in hopes she will take him back. She isn’t sure she wants to, but he promises it will be different (again). He is the father of her three children, and when his daughter saw him, the decision was made.
It is December, and Christmas is fast approaching. Megan sometimes takes Brigit through the zoo while they are on patrol. On a stroll through, she meets Danny, a custodian, working there. She recognizes a prison tattoo on his hand, and they talk about his time served, his family, and she gives him her card should he ever need help.
Megan and Brigit are called to a woman’s home. She lost her rings and is convinced the plumber who was in her home that day had taken them. His fingerprints were not found where she thought she kept her rings, and without any kind of proof, Megan couldn’t arrest him.
A few days later, Megan and Brigit are again patrolling the zoo when she hears a confrontation with Danny. They said they believe he somehow either accidentally let escape, or took two hyacinth macaws. After reviewing security tapes, there was nothing conclusive about where the birds might be. There was also no evidence of the gorgeous birds in his car, but the zoo fired him anyway.
Days later, a woman at the nearby country club summoned a police officer. Her rings were missing, and she believed that the club employee she told to move her bag took them from the bag. Security tapes could prove the employee did not take the rings. The woman recalled her hands were very slippery after getting a manicure, and while she took her rings from the nail spa, she could have lost them anywhere.
Megan and Brigit take a call at the zoo, and this time she calls one of the detectives who had been mentoring her toward her goal of becoming a detective. Hector Bustamente arrives quickly to oversee the case with the latest missing zoo resident, a colobus monkey, Sarki. Sarki is very small, not much larger than a human newborn, so could be easily removed from the zoo. Hector requested Megan’s help with the case, and the public became quite upset over the loss of one of the zoo’s beloved creatures. Perhaps the macaws did not accidentally escape; it seemed highly unlikely that the costly macaws could escape and days later, a tiny monkey follows suit.
The characters are very well defined throughout; we learn more about the Poacher without learning his identity. I really like Megan more and more as the series progresses. She is hardworking, thinks before she acts, and with her way of looking at clues, will very likely become an excellent detective. She is knowledgeable about many things; she loves to read and retains facts well. I like firefighter and bomb expert Seth, her boyfriend. They have had some rocky days but have grown closer as a result of sharing Seth’s family challenges.
This novel follows a similar pattern to the earlier ones in respect to chapters being organized from 3 points of view. First is the bad guy – this time, the Poacher, then Megan, then Brigit. There are plot twists that kept me on my toes! Both mysteries – the thefts of beloved zoo animals and the women who are losing their rings – are confounding, but the women losing rings seem to have no connection. If only Brigit could talk! She can alert to what she finds but can’t always communicate everything when she sniffs out someone, or something, critical to a case. If one likes their cozy mysteries well-written with a healthy serving of humor and a K-9 with a ‘tude, I highly recommend it!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Paw of the Jungle
Paw Enforcement #8
By Diane Kelly
ISBN 9781250197375
Author’s website: dianekelly.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are on all fours as they try to solve their latest Lone Star mystery.
AT THE ZOO
The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
AND ON THE HUNT
The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?
Review:
This is one of my favorite series with dogs; I love the humor throughout each novel and how challenging each mystery is. Each can be read as standalone novels, yet I find that Megan grows as a police officer and personally over the course of the series. Sergeant Brigit is more loving with Megan, as well, while retaining some of her puppy habits.
Megan Luz, a Fort Worth police officer, was assigned Brigit as her partner as a last resort when her former partner, Derek Mackey, had been obnoxious too many times and she tased him. Funny as the incident was, the chief of police had no sense of humor when hearing that his hunting buddy had been bested by a little woman. Megan had no desire to share her life with Brigit, the German shepherd K-9 that was her last chance to be a police officer. Brigit still gets the best of Megan sometimes, but overall, they are as close as partners can be.
We first meet the Poacher, who has just been released from prison after serving time for theft. His new employer took a risk to hire him, and gives him one chance only, since most ex-felons they have hired have disappointed them. He goes to his girlfriend’s home in hopes she will take him back. She isn’t sure she wants to, but he promises it will be different (again). He is the father of her three children, and when his daughter saw him, the decision was made.
It is December, and Christmas is fast approaching. Megan sometimes takes Brigit through the zoo while they are on patrol. On a stroll through, she meets Danny, a custodian, working there. She recognizes a prison tattoo on his hand, and they talk about his time served, his family, and she gives him her card should he ever need help.
Megan and Brigit are called to a woman’s home. She lost her rings and is convinced the plumber who was in her home that day had taken them. His fingerprints were not found where she thought she kept her rings, and without any kind of proof, Megan couldn’t arrest him.
A few days later, Megan and Brigit are again patrolling the zoo when she hears a confrontation with Danny. They said they believe he somehow either accidentally let escape, or took two hyacinth macaws. After reviewing security tapes, there was nothing conclusive about where the birds might be. There was also no evidence of the gorgeous birds in his car, but the zoo fired him anyway.
Days later, a woman at the nearby country club summoned a police officer. Her rings were missing, and she believed that the club employee she told to move her bag took them from the bag. Security tapes could prove the employee did not take the rings. The woman recalled her hands were very slippery after getting a manicure, and while she took her rings from the nail spa, she could have lost them anywhere.
Megan and Brigit take a call at the zoo, and this time she calls one of the detectives who had been mentoring her toward her goal of becoming a detective. Hector Bustamente arrives quickly to oversee the case with the latest missing zoo resident, a colobus monkey, Sarki. Sarki is very small, not much larger than a human newborn, so could be easily removed from the zoo. Hector requested Megan’s help with the case, and the public became quite upset over the loss of one of the zoo’s beloved creatures. Perhaps the macaws did not accidentally escape; it seemed highly unlikely that the costly macaws could escape and days later, a tiny monkey follows suit.
The characters are very well defined throughout; we learn more about the Poacher without learning his identity. I really like Megan more and more as the series progresses. She is hardworking, thinks before she acts, and with her way of looking at clues, will very likely become an excellent detective. She is knowledgeable about many things; she loves to read and retains facts well. I like firefighter and bomb expert Seth, her boyfriend. They have had some rocky days but have grown closer as a result of sharing Seth’s family challenges.
This novel follows a similar pattern to the earlier ones in respect to chapters being organized from 3 points of view. First is the bad guy – this time, the Poacher, then Megan, then Brigit. There are plot twists that kept me on my toes! Both mysteries – the thefts of beloved zoo animals and the women who are losing their rings – are confounding, but the women losing rings seem to have no connection. If only Brigit could talk! She can alert to what she finds but can’t always communicate everything when she sniffs out someone, or something, critical to a case. If one likes their cozy mysteries well-written with a healthy serving of humor and a K-9 with a ‘tude, I highly recommend it!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
November 24, 2019
Fort Worth Texas officer, Megan Luz is back with her K-9 service dog, Brigit. Her favorite guy, Seth, also has a service dog, a yellow Lab named Blast. Seth is a bomb squad technician and firefighter.
Once again, the story is told in multiple POVs, one being protagonist Megan, along with Brigit, and the antagonist, dubbed The Poacher, whose elevator never reaches the top floor. There is a little romance between the Lab and Brigit and Seth and Megan, but it never overpowers the well-plotted mystery.
In this series entry, a number of valuable rings go missing about the same time a pair of Hyacinth macaws go missing from the zoo. It is nearing Christmas and the mall is full, people in a rush, and Megan isn't sure that the ring owners haven't just misplaced them. But the birds? No way could the regular zoo staff have allowed them to escape.
Interspersed with these two, the reader is treated to information regarding the laws of hunting in Texas, game ranches and animal poachers, as well as ex-con recidivism rates depending on available prison rehab classes. I love the chapters devoted to Brigit and her take on humans, as well as the little hints on reading dog body language. And always, the author's sense of humor shines through, often injecting thought-provoking LOL moments.
The narrative grabs your attention and keeps a steady pace except with the explanatory bits noted above. The series has built an engaging set of characters you can't help investing in. Entertaining atmospheric setting coupled with an intelligent and anthropomorphic glimpse into the psyche of a magnificent, intelligent canine partner.
I was given this digital download by the publisher and NetGalley and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review another in the series. This functions fine as a standalone but these are too fun any. Recommended for any who enjoy K-9 associated books, police procedurals, suspense, and sweet and easy pseudo cozy. Looking forward to Book 9! 4.5/5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
Once again, the story is told in multiple POVs, one being protagonist Megan, along with Brigit, and the antagonist, dubbed The Poacher, whose elevator never reaches the top floor. There is a little romance between the Lab and Brigit and Seth and Megan, but it never overpowers the well-plotted mystery.
In this series entry, a number of valuable rings go missing about the same time a pair of Hyacinth macaws go missing from the zoo. It is nearing Christmas and the mall is full, people in a rush, and Megan isn't sure that the ring owners haven't just misplaced them. But the birds? No way could the regular zoo staff have allowed them to escape.
Interspersed with these two, the reader is treated to information regarding the laws of hunting in Texas, game ranches and animal poachers, as well as ex-con recidivism rates depending on available prison rehab classes. I love the chapters devoted to Brigit and her take on humans, as well as the little hints on reading dog body language. And always, the author's sense of humor shines through, often injecting thought-provoking LOL moments.
The narrative grabs your attention and keeps a steady pace except with the explanatory bits noted above. The series has built an engaging set of characters you can't help investing in. Entertaining atmospheric setting coupled with an intelligent and anthropomorphic glimpse into the psyche of a magnificent, intelligent canine partner.
I was given this digital download by the publisher and NetGalley and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review another in the series. This functions fine as a standalone but these are too fun any. Recommended for any who enjoy K-9 associated books, police procedurals, suspense, and sweet and easy pseudo cozy. Looking forward to Book 9! 4.5/5 rounded down
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
December 28, 2019
Two of my favorite characters, Officer Megan Luz and her K9 companion Brigit, are at it again. This time, someone is stealing animals from the Fort Worth Zoo. At first, the officer and Brigit, as well as the force detective assigned to the case, follow a myriad of false leads that get them nowhere. Each time they feel they are getting close, another animal is taken from the zoo, until the town is clamoring for an end to the thefts. Office Luz and Brigit keep at it, and with a lot of clues they uncover and some smooth K9 work on the part of Brigit, they finally find some solid evidence they can use to apprehend the thief or thieves and end this madness. However, will this be enough?
I really liked this book. Both Officer Megan Luz and her faithful companion Brigit again worked wonders as they followed leads that turned out to be solid as well as red herrings to figure out what was going on and who was responsible. As usual, Brigit played a major role in the crime solution. I like the way the author has managed again to bring out Brigit, her personality, her likes and dislikes, her abilities, etc. This really brings home the role Brigit plays in Officer Luz’s professional life as well as a full member of the law enforcement team. There are a few episodes involving Brigit’s “friend” Blast, the bomb sniffing dog of Megan’s beau Seth, and Seth himself. The relationship between Megan and Seth progressed well through the story—to a much wanted and needed end at the conclusion of the book (you will find out what occurred when you read the book). This is a great story, set during the Christmas holidays, though they do not play a pivotal role, just a nice backdrop. I loved the way Megan and Brigit work together as a team, which shows us all the way K9’s and their human partners are supposed to work. I really like the way the author continues to bring out and reinforce Brigit’s personality and abilities as well as her partnering with Megan. If you enjoy the books in this series, if you enjoy a fast-paced easy reading tale, or if you are a dog over as I am, this is a great book for you. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
I really liked this book. Both Officer Megan Luz and her faithful companion Brigit again worked wonders as they followed leads that turned out to be solid as well as red herrings to figure out what was going on and who was responsible. As usual, Brigit played a major role in the crime solution. I like the way the author has managed again to bring out Brigit, her personality, her likes and dislikes, her abilities, etc. This really brings home the role Brigit plays in Officer Luz’s professional life as well as a full member of the law enforcement team. There are a few episodes involving Brigit’s “friend” Blast, the bomb sniffing dog of Megan’s beau Seth, and Seth himself. The relationship between Megan and Seth progressed well through the story—to a much wanted and needed end at the conclusion of the book (you will find out what occurred when you read the book). This is a great story, set during the Christmas holidays, though they do not play a pivotal role, just a nice backdrop. I loved the way Megan and Brigit work together as a team, which shows us all the way K9’s and their human partners are supposed to work. I really like the way the author continues to bring out and reinforce Brigit’s personality and abilities as well as her partnering with Megan. If you enjoy the books in this series, if you enjoy a fast-paced easy reading tale, or if you are a dog over as I am, this is a great book for you. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
November 26, 2019
Series: A Paw Enforcement Novel - Book 8
Author: Diane Kelly
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Animal/Holiday/Police Procedurals
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Page Count: 365
From St. Martin’s comes the latest and perhaps the best one yet in the “A Paw Enforcement Novel,” a police dog cozy series by Diane Kelly, Paw of the Jungle.
This addition to the award-winning police dog cozy series is wonderfully enjoyable with just a slight hint of sadness. Whenever animals are endangered or abused, it is not pleasant, but when they are stolen from a zoo, and no one knows where they are, it’s even worse. Leave it to Megan and Brigit to stumble upon a theft ring just before the holidays. The victims are innocent animals; the perpetrator is not innocent but not necessarily a bad guy. In the end, he is caught, and the missing animals located; most of them are safe and back where they belong.
Characters in this series are always interesting, very human, and entertaining. Although this is a police dog cozy series, the human side is well represented. The animals involved have fantastic personalities. Brigit and Blast are two of the most adorable dogs ever written, brave, helpful, and they love their human partners and each other.
The writing in Paw of the Jungle is excellent, the plot realistic, and the characters relatable. Thought this is not a hard-boiled police detective or uncompromising police procedural, it is a police dog cozy series that fringes on both. If readers have never read any of the previous books in this series, they may wish to start at the beginning; otherwise, they could get lost trying to figure out the format it is written in and who each character is. Overall, however, this addition to the series will make readers keep turning the page and fill them with a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
Author: Diane Kelly
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Animal/Holiday/Police Procedurals
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Page Count: 365
From St. Martin’s comes the latest and perhaps the best one yet in the “A Paw Enforcement Novel,” a police dog cozy series by Diane Kelly, Paw of the Jungle.
This addition to the award-winning police dog cozy series is wonderfully enjoyable with just a slight hint of sadness. Whenever animals are endangered or abused, it is not pleasant, but when they are stolen from a zoo, and no one knows where they are, it’s even worse. Leave it to Megan and Brigit to stumble upon a theft ring just before the holidays. The victims are innocent animals; the perpetrator is not innocent but not necessarily a bad guy. In the end, he is caught, and the missing animals located; most of them are safe and back where they belong.
Characters in this series are always interesting, very human, and entertaining. Although this is a police dog cozy series, the human side is well represented. The animals involved have fantastic personalities. Brigit and Blast are two of the most adorable dogs ever written, brave, helpful, and they love their human partners and each other.
The writing in Paw of the Jungle is excellent, the plot realistic, and the characters relatable. Thought this is not a hard-boiled police detective or uncompromising police procedural, it is a police dog cozy series that fringes on both. If readers have never read any of the previous books in this series, they may wish to start at the beginning; otherwise, they could get lost trying to figure out the format it is written in and who each character is. Overall, however, this addition to the series will make readers keep turning the page and fill them with a sense of satisfaction and happiness.
September 22, 2020
Aaarrrghhh. I couldn't stop reading but it made me mad all the way through. She's a good writer and she had a couple of interesting crimes for her detective--a K-9 officer--to explore. But the book was about twice as long as it needed to be...why?
For one, she lectured. She went off into long paragraphs of preaching about illegal animal trafficking or poaching or whatever, all valid subjects of outrage, but did I need to read it? I'll let her off the hook on that one--after the first one or two, I detected when a diatribe was coming and skimmed until the story resumed.
For another, she started off in the perpetrator's head, in third person, then switched into the detective's head in first person, then the dog's in third. That was irritating as heck--if you're going to write in first person that's fine, but stay there.
I personally had zero interest in being inside the perp's head. I never want to be in the murderer's head, and It ruined the mystery for me. Maybe she was trying to teach a lesson--to show us how our social system perpetuates crime by not helping ex-cons obtain and keep jobs. Maybe she was teaching a lesson about how the right amount of money corrupts even the best of intentions. Whatever! I read mysteries to be entertained, not lectured to!
And for my last and final gripe, the detective needs to learn how to pay attention to her dog. She's got a highly trained K-9 officer with a nose that can smell things she can't even comprehend, and she doesn't bother to use it! The dog had to disobey her before she'd pay attention to it.
Sorry, Ms. Kelly. I'd like to read another of your books and I will. But this one pushed all my buttons in the worst way.
For one, she lectured. She went off into long paragraphs of preaching about illegal animal trafficking or poaching or whatever, all valid subjects of outrage, but did I need to read it? I'll let her off the hook on that one--after the first one or two, I detected when a diatribe was coming and skimmed until the story resumed.
For another, she started off in the perpetrator's head, in third person, then switched into the detective's head in first person, then the dog's in third. That was irritating as heck--if you're going to write in first person that's fine, but stay there.
I personally had zero interest in being inside the perp's head. I never want to be in the murderer's head, and It ruined the mystery for me. Maybe she was trying to teach a lesson--to show us how our social system perpetuates crime by not helping ex-cons obtain and keep jobs. Maybe she was teaching a lesson about how the right amount of money corrupts even the best of intentions. Whatever! I read mysteries to be entertained, not lectured to!
And for my last and final gripe, the detective needs to learn how to pay attention to her dog. She's got a highly trained K-9 officer with a nose that can smell things she can't even comprehend, and she doesn't bother to use it! The dog had to disobey her before she'd pay attention to it.
Sorry, Ms. Kelly. I'd like to read another of your books and I will. But this one pushed all my buttons in the worst way.
November 23, 2019
I decided awhile back to just give Diane Kelly her own spot on my must read list, regardless of what series she's writing. Bottom line, if she writes it I will enjoy every word. From her Death and Taxes series to her new House Flipper series - I'm a happy reader. Full of humor and information about very interesting things, she never disappoints me, eight books in this series and each a pleasure to read.
If you are new to this series, not a problem to read this as a stand alone but, if you come to the end of Paw of the Jungle and have enjoyed hanging out with Megan, Brigit, Seth and Blast, set aside some reading time to play catchup. In this entry the animals are disappearing from the Fort Worth zoo and everyone is up in arms, pushing the police to find the criminal ASAP. With mentoring from several detectives, the investigation falls to Megan and Brigit to solve and they are up to the task even though, as crimes go, it takes them from December into February to track down the Poacher. The chapters are written from the point of view of Megan, Brigit and the Poacher but it's not confusing at all. I have to say that Brigit's chapters are my favorite. As the case progresses Megan also tries to track down some very expensive missing rings. These are the cases that will, one day, lead Megan to her desired detective's badge. From traffic enforcement to missing zoo animals, it's all in a days work for Megan and Brigit. Along the way there is the growing romance with her boyfriend Seth. I'm so ready to read the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
If you are new to this series, not a problem to read this as a stand alone but, if you come to the end of Paw of the Jungle and have enjoyed hanging out with Megan, Brigit, Seth and Blast, set aside some reading time to play catchup. In this entry the animals are disappearing from the Fort Worth zoo and everyone is up in arms, pushing the police to find the criminal ASAP. With mentoring from several detectives, the investigation falls to Megan and Brigit to solve and they are up to the task even though, as crimes go, it takes them from December into February to track down the Poacher. The chapters are written from the point of view of Megan, Brigit and the Poacher but it's not confusing at all. I have to say that Brigit's chapters are my favorite. As the case progresses Megan also tries to track down some very expensive missing rings. These are the cases that will, one day, lead Megan to her desired detective's badge. From traffic enforcement to missing zoo animals, it's all in a days work for Megan and Brigit. Along the way there is the growing romance with her boyfriend Seth. I'm so ready to read the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2023
Series: 8/9 in the K-9 or Paw Enforcement series
Setting: Fort Worth, Texas
Sleuth: I have reviewed so many of the books in this series that it is difficult for me to think of something new to say about Megan. As usual, she is an outstanding police officer, tenacious and intelligent. She understands that each crime, no matter how small, is important to the victims and goes all out to solve them. She doesn't behave recklessly, which I really appreciate, and does a lot of the tedious work that is actually a part of the job of law enforcement. One of my favorite protagonists in a mystery series. (5/5)
Side characters: German Shepherd Sergeant Brigit, Megan's partner, once again steals the show. The chapters from her perspective are as cute as usual, but they seemed shorter than normal when I wanted more Brigit especially given how book 7 ended. Boyfriend Seth is back as are many of the other reoccurring characters, but none of them played a prominent role in the book. (4/5)
Plot: As usual, there is a main case and a secondary case that Megan is working on. The main case involves animals that are being stolen from the zoo. The format for this series is that the perspective of the chapters rotates between Megan, Brigit, and the perpetrator of the main crime featured in the book. In this case, the perpetrator is "The Poacher" and I found his chapters somewhat frustrating because even though he has just been released from prison and has promised his seven-year-old daughter to "be good," he still progressed from stealing macaws to a colobus monkey to a springbok to a black rhino. I felt so sad for his daughter that it brought the book down a little for me. The secondary crime--involving missing and possibly stolen rings--was also frustrating because I felt that someone as smart as Megan could have solved it much earlier than she did. So not my favorite in the series, but still good. (4/5)
Extras: The ending. (10/5, lol)
Continue with the series?: Definitely. So sad there is only one left to read.
Setting: Fort Worth, Texas
Sleuth: I have reviewed so many of the books in this series that it is difficult for me to think of something new to say about Megan. As usual, she is an outstanding police officer, tenacious and intelligent. She understands that each crime, no matter how small, is important to the victims and goes all out to solve them. She doesn't behave recklessly, which I really appreciate, and does a lot of the tedious work that is actually a part of the job of law enforcement. One of my favorite protagonists in a mystery series. (5/5)
Side characters: German Shepherd Sergeant Brigit, Megan's partner, once again steals the show. The chapters from her perspective are as cute as usual, but they seemed shorter than normal when I wanted more Brigit especially given how book 7 ended. Boyfriend Seth is back as are many of the other reoccurring characters, but none of them played a prominent role in the book. (4/5)
Plot: As usual, there is a main case and a secondary case that Megan is working on. The main case involves animals that are being stolen from the zoo. The format for this series is that the perspective of the chapters rotates between Megan, Brigit, and the perpetrator of the main crime featured in the book. In this case, the perpetrator is "The Poacher" and I found his chapters somewhat frustrating because even though he has just been released from prison and has promised his seven-year-old daughter to "be good," he still progressed from stealing macaws to a colobus monkey to a springbok to a black rhino. I felt so sad for his daughter that it brought the book down a little for me. The secondary crime--involving missing and possibly stolen rings--was also frustrating because I felt that someone as smart as Megan could have solved it much earlier than she did. So not my favorite in the series, but still good. (4/5)
Extras: The ending. (10/5, lol)
Continue with the series?: Definitely. So sad there is only one left to read.
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